The Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court has sentenced 42-year-old Leonard Khoza to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of fellow Zimbabwean national, Aluwisi Verengere, in a case stemming from a dispute over a missing cellphone.

Khoza was also handed an additional two-year sentence for contravening immigration laws by being in South Africa illegally.

The court ordered that both sentences run concurrently. Furthermore, it ruled that Khoza will be deported to Zimbabwe upon completion of his prison term.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on the evening of February 4, 2023, behind Virgin Active in Wonderboom.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Makhanjana said a group of Zimbabwean nationals had gathered at the location, with some playing cards while others consumed alcohol.

She said the situation took a tragic turn when Verengere discovered that his cellphone was missing.

“He requested to search those present. While some individuals agreed, Khoza and his two brothers refused to be searched.

“Tensions escalated when Verengere reportedly indicated that he would consult a traditional healer to identify and bewitch the person responsible for taking his phone. This statement sparked an altercation between him and Khoza,” said Mahanjana.

During the confrontation, Khoza picked up a stone and threw it at Verengere, striking him on the head.

Verengere collapsed at the scene and was later declared dead.

“Following investigations, Khoza was arrested on August 4, 2023, approximately five months after the incident. He remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial.”

In court, Khoza pleaded not guilty, claiming he was not in South Africa at the time of the incident.

The State, led by Regional Court Prosecutor Lufuno Manena, presented testimony from two eyewitnesses who were present during the altercation.

Their evidence proved crucial in securing a conviction, as it placed Khoza at the scene and directly implicated him in the fatal attack.

During sentencing proceedings, the defence argued for a lesser sentence, citing that Khoza was a first-time offender.

Mahanjana said the State opposed this, emphasising the seriousness of the offence and highlighting Khoza’s lack of remorse, as he continued to deny responsibility even after being found guilty.

Magistrate Pieter Nel agreed with the State’s argument, finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years for murder.

The court also noted Khoza’s failure to show remorse.

“The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring that perpetrators of serious offences are prosecuted successfully and that justice is served for victims and their families,” she said.

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